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2001 Dodge RAM 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most RAM 1500 years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Dodge RAM 1500 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 520.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

741 reports with mileage · 371 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 548 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 84 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

65 crash reports34 fire reports65 injury reports

Structure complaints

548 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2016
Structure

WE OWN THIS 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE PROBLEM WE ARE FACED WITH IS THAT THE PAINT OF THE TRUCK HAS BEEN FADING EVERY DAY TO THE POINT THAT IT HAS SPOTS AND INSTEAD OF BEING A BLACK TRUCK IS A SPOT TRUCK. THE RUST ON IT IS INCREDIBLE, UNDERNEATH, AROUND THE TRIM OF THE TIRE PANELS AND THE OVERALL BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK. I KNOW WE A…

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WE OWN THIS 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. THE PROBLEM WE ARE FACED WITH IS THAT THE PAINT OF THE TRUCK HAS BEEN FADING EVERY DAY TO THE POINT THAT IT HAS SPOTS AND INSTEAD OF BEING A BLACK TRUCK IS A SPOT TRUCK. THE RUST ON IT IS INCREDIBLE, UNDERNEATH, AROUND THE TRIM OF THE TIRE PANELS AND THE OVERALL BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK. I KNOW WE ARE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND THE WEATHER DOES NOT HELP, BUT A TRUCK THIS EXPENSIVE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO LOOK THE WAY IT DOES. THE DASHBOARD INSIDE THE TRUCK HAS CRACKED TO THE POINT THAT WE HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER WITH DUCT TAPE. MY HUSBAND DOES NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK FAR, BECAUSE HE IS AFRAID IT WILL BE A SAFETY ISSUE. ONE TIME JUST GOING TO THE TRASH PLACE, THE BREAKS WENT ON THE TRUCK AND WE HAD TO HAVE THAT TRUCK FIXED. IT REALLY BOTHERS US THAT THE TRUCK SHOULD LAST LONGER AND THE CONDITION THIS TRUCK IS IN IT SAYS TO US "HOW CAN A VEHICLE DO THIS". WE OWN TWO OTHER CARS, AND THEY ARE IN NO WAY SHAPE LIKE THIS TRUCK IS. HE TAKES CARE OF THE TRUCK AS MUCH AS HE CAN, BUT IS THERE ANY RECALLS OR ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE THAT HAS THE SAME ISSUES, WITH THE PAINT, RUST AND THE INTERIOR OF THE TRUCK? THE TRUCK HAS BEEN DEBILITATING SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. WE ARE NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE BUT WE HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEY FIX WHAT EVER IS WRONG WITH IT, BUT THERE IS NO MENTION OF ANY RECALLS. MY HUMBLE OPINION THIS TRUCK SHOULD BE LOOKED AT BY THE DEALER AND FIXED COMPLETELY. WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE LIMITED TO TRAVEL IN THE TRUCK BECAUSE WE ARE AFRAID IT WILL FALL APART DUE TO ALL THE RUST ETC UNDERNEATH. ANY INFORMATION THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE US WILL BE OF GREAT HELP. I'VE ATTACHED PICTURES OF THE TRUCK SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10860653

10,000 miles · Mar 11, 2016
Structure

EVERY SECOND GENERATION DODGE RAM TRUCK HAS THIS ISSUE. THE DASHBOARD FALLS APART AND SHATTERS INTO SHARP KNIFE-LIKE PIECES OF PLASTIC THAT CAN AND DO BLOW INTO YOUR EYES WHILE DRIVING OR CUT YOU WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY. I FEAR THAT IF MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED THE SHARP PIECES OF PLASTIC THAT WOULD BE SENT FLYING COULD INJURE ME O…

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EVERY SECOND GENERATION DODGE RAM TRUCK HAS THIS ISSUE. THE DASHBOARD FALLS APART AND SHATTERS INTO SHARP KNIFE-LIKE PIECES OF PLASTIC THAT CAN AND DO BLOW INTO YOUR EYES WHILE DRIVING OR CUT YOU WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY. I FEAR THAT IF MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED THE SHARP PIECES OF PLASTIC THAT WOULD BE SENT FLYING COULD INJURE ME OR EVEN BE FATAL. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS VERY WELL DOCUMENTED. THE FACT THAT SOMETHING THIS COMMON AND DANGEROUS HASN'T ENDED IN THE RESULT OF A RECALL OR REPLACEMENT IS ASTONISHING. I LOVE MY TRUCK BUT I AM SO AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10846197

170,000 miles · Dec 6, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior LightingStructure

DASH IS FALLING APART AND CAUSING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ODI #10808665

11,000 miles · Sep 21, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting

AFTER ABOUT 11,000 MILES THE DASH BEGAN TO GET CRACKS AND FALL APART. IT GRADUALLY HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT THAT THERE ARE VERY LARGE HOLES AND PIECES OF THE DASH HAVE GOTTEN INTO THE DUCT WORK OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO HAVE BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH FUSES BLOWING. THAT IS WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VANN DODGE IN VINELAND…

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AFTER ABOUT 11,000 MILES THE DASH BEGAN TO GET CRACKS AND FALL APART. IT GRADUALLY HAS GOTTEN TO THE POINT THAT THERE ARE VERY LARGE HOLES AND PIECES OF THE DASH HAVE GOTTEN INTO THE DUCT WORK OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO HAVE BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH FUSES BLOWING. THAT IS WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VANN DODGE IN VINELAND NJ AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM. THEY TOOK PHOTOS AND LATER CALLED ME AND SAID THE DETERMINED THAT THE DASH WAS FAILING BECAUSE OF EXPOSURE TO SUN!!! THE VEHICLE IS GARAGED OR PARKED IN THE SHADE FOR MOST OF ITS EARLY LIFE AND CRACKS AND CHUNKS HAPPENED FOR NO APPARENT REASON, BUT THIS IS PROBABLY THEIR WAY OUT OF FIXING THE PROBLEM. NOW COMES ANOTHER PROBLEM OR INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED TO ME BECAUSE OF THIS FAULTY PLASTIC THAT WAS USED TO CONSTRUCT THE DASH. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND TURNED ON MY DEFROSTER AND A PIECE OF PLASTIC BLEW OUT OF THE VENT ON THE TOP OF THE DASH OR LACK THERE OF, AND HIT ME IN THE FACE CAUSING ME TO SWERVE AND ALMOST HIT AN ONCOMING CAR. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE CAR AVOIDED ME OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP 2 MONTHS AGO TO HAVE SERVICE ON A DIFFERENT VEHICLE AND QUESTIONED THEM ON THE STATUS OF ANY RECALL AND THEY ASKED ME FOR MY VIN # OF MY DODGE RAM PICKUP WHICH I PROVIDED AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECORD OF ME TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THEM FOR A INSPECTION, WHICH IS TOTALLY FALSE!!! THEY CONVENIENTLY LOST MY RECORDS ON MY PICK UP!!!!! SOMETHING HAS GOT TO BE DONE TO PREVENT SOMEONE FROM BEING KILLED DUE TO THIS FAULT OF CHRYSLER CORP. I HAVE PUT A REPLACEMENT SKIN ON THE DASH BUT THERE WAS NOT MUCH LEFT TO ADHERE THE SKIN TO AT A COST OF NEARLY $300 BUT THE PIECES CONTINUALLY FALL INTO THE VENTS. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI #10766690

92,000 miles · Sep 6, 2015
Air BagsStructure

DASH BOARDS CAVING IN POSSIBLE CAUSING AIR BAGS, LIGHTS AND OTHER ELECTRICAL PARTS TO FAIL.

NHTSA ODI #10761875

41,000 miles · Jul 27, 2015
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD A PAST FAILURE WITH THE BRAKES, CORROSION OF THE FRAME, A CRACKED DASHBOARD, AND WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATING SINCE 26,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THESE FAILURES, BUT NOT FOR THE STEERING FAILURE. THE MANUF…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 DODGE RAM 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAD A PAST FAILURE WITH THE BRAKES, CORROSION OF THE FRAME, A CRACKED DASHBOARD, AND WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATING SINCE 26,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THESE FAILURES, BUT NOT FOR THE STEERING FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 41,000.....UPDATED 01/04/2016 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10743865

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2015
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructureSuspension

2001 DODGE RAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION, BRAKE LINE REPLACEMENT AND FRONT FRAME PROBLEMS. *SMD UPDATED 07/27/15.....UPDATED 11/19/15 *BF UPDATED 01/12/16*LJ UPDATED 11/08/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10733146

204,569 miles · Apr 18, 2015
StructureInjury

I PURCHASED MY 2001 DODGE RAM IN 2006 WITH JUST A SMALL CRACK OR TWO IN THE DASH. BY 2008 THE SMALL CRACKS TURNED INTO LARGE CRACKS AND THEN THE FIRST PART OVER THE RADIO AREA AS SHOWN IN PICTURE FELL IN! AT THE TIME I HAD PLACED SOME ITEMS ON THE DASH AND HAD THOUGHT THAT CAUSED IT BUT WHEN I STARTED TO CLEAN IT UP MORE STARTED…

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I PURCHASED MY 2001 DODGE RAM IN 2006 WITH JUST A SMALL CRACK OR TWO IN THE DASH. BY 2008 THE SMALL CRACKS TURNED INTO LARGE CRACKS AND THEN THE FIRST PART OVER THE RADIO AREA AS SHOWN IN PICTURE FELL IN! AT THE TIME I HAD PLACED SOME ITEMS ON THE DASH AND HAD THOUGHT THAT CAUSED IT BUT WHEN I STARTED TO CLEAN IT UP MORE STARTED TO JUST BREAK OFF SO I DIDN'T MESS WITH IT AGAIN! I CONTACTED BARRETT DODGE IN ATHENS GA A WEEK LATER AND SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE DEPORTMENT. THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NO RECALLS AND TRUCK WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO AT THAT TIME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY WOULD DO OTHER THAN CHARGE ME A CRAZY PRICE TO REPLACE IT FOR MY AND THEN IF A RECALL EVER DID HAPPEN THEY SAID I WOULD PROBABLY GET BACK AT LEAST HALF OF MY REPAIR COST! THAT STILL MEANT I WOULD HAVE PAID HUNDREDS FOR THE REPAIR SO I DIDN'T DO IT. THE MAIN REASON IM LOOKING INTO THIS AGAIN NOW IN 2015 IS BECAUSE YESTERDAY MY 8 YEAR OLD SON WAS PLAYING IN THE TRUCK WHILE I WAS WORKING ON IT AND HE WENT TO GET A TOY OFF THE DASH AND HIS ARM WENT THROUGH THE DASH AND CUT HIM LEAVING ABOUT A 1 INCH LONG CUT IN HIS ARM! THIS IS NOW WHY IM NOW 7 YEARS LATER SURPRISED THAT WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS THAT ARE ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS ISSUE THAT DODGE HAS NOT STEPPED UP NOR HAVE THEY BEEN MADE TO STEP UP AND HELP FIX THIS ISSUE! DOES SOMEBODY'S CHILD HAVE TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR GOD FORBID DIE FROM A INJURY CAUSED BY THE SHAPE PIECES OF THIS DASH BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS! IM NOW LOOKING INTO GETTING THIS DASH REPAIRED MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY FOR MY FAMILY! I REALLY HAVE NOT BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT THE COSMETIC LOOK THAT DODGE HAS BEEN HIDING BEHIND FOR THEIR REASON TO NOT FIX THIS ISSUE! BUT I WILL BE DAMMED IF IM GOING TO LET THIS POORLY DESIGNED DODGE DASH HURT MY FAMILY AGAIN! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10706395

75,000 miles · Mar 9, 2015
Structure

DASHBOARD BECAME CRACKED AND BROKEN, WITH BROKEN PARTS FALLING INTO WIRING AND CONTROLS BELOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10692988

90,000 miles · Mar 8, 2015
Structure

THE DASHBOARD IS LITERALLY CRUMBLING INTO SHARP POINTED SHARDS AND HAVE BEEN FLYING INTO MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS. THE SHARDS ARE VERY SHARP AND I'M AFRAID IF A PIECE SHOULD FLYINTO MY EYE WHILE DRIVING IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10692781

Official recalls

2

03V504000 · Tires

Dec 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN 4X4 PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE SNOW PLOW PREPARATION PACKAGE, THE TIRES SUPPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATINGS THAT SLIGHTLY EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TIRE LOAD CAPACITY AS DEFINED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PROVIDE REPLACEMENT P245/75R16 TIRES TO MEET THE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL AND ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITION OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SNOW PLOW AND HARDWARE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.

01V153000 · Air Bags

May 8, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE08047 · 2000-2001 Dodge RAM Pickup Hood Latch

Opened Jul 25, 2008 · Closed Dec 17, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch; Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments

THE AGENCY OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 30 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE HOODS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS FLEW UP AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION.THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PRIMARY HOOD LATCH AND A SECONDARY (BACKUP) HOOD LATCH.THE SECONDARY LATCH IS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE HOOD IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED OR OTHERWISE MALFUNCTIONS.IN THESE COMPLAINTS, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, APPARENTLY DUE TO CORROSION, AND DID NOT LATCH.DODGE CONDUCTED RECALL 01V-040 IN 1999 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS.THE INFORMATION CHRYSLER PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER INDICATED THAT THE MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES WITH STAINLESS STEEL RETURN SPRINGS, AS OPPOSED TO THE EARLIER RECALLED TRUCKS THAT HAD ZINC COATED CARBON STEEL RETURN SPRINGS.THE RECALLED COMPONENTS WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION-INDUCED FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF MATERIAL USED, WHEREAS THE CORROSION FAILURES IN THE NEWER MODELS APPEAR TO BE DUE TO LUBRICATION LOSS OVER TIME (REGULAR APPLICATION OF GREASE IS ADVISED PER INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS' MANUAL). ODI'S REVIEW OF CHRYSLER'S WARRANTY, COMPLAINT, AND INJURY DATA FOR THE 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES INDICATES THAT THE RATES FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE LOW AND ARE DECLINING.A POTENTIAL DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

THE AGENCY OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 30 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE HOODS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS FLEW UP AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION.THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PRIMARY HOOD LATCH AND A SECONDARY (BACKUP) HOOD LATCH.THE SECONDARY LATCH IS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE HOOD IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED OR OTHERWISE MALFUNCTIONS.IN THESE COMPLAINTS, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, APPARENTLY DUE TO CORROSION, AND DID NOT LATCH.DODGE CONDUCTED RECALL 01V-040 IN 1999 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS.THE INFORMATION CHRYSLER PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER INDICATED THAT THE MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES WITH STAINLESS STEEL RETURN SPRINGS, AS OPPOSED TO THE EARLIER RECALLED TRUCKS THAT HAD ZINC COATED CARBON STEEL RETURN SPRINGS.THE RECALLED COMPONENTS WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION-INDUCED FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF MATERIAL USED, WHEREAS THE CORROSION FAILURES IN THE NEWER MODELS APPEAR TO BE DUE TO LUBRICATION LOSS OVER TIME (REGULAR APPLICATION OF GREASE IS ADVISED PER INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS' MANUAL). ODI'S REVIEW OF CHRYSLER'S WARRANTY, COMPLAINT, AND INJURY DATA FOR THE 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES INDICATES THAT THE RATES FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE LOW AND ARE DECLINING.A POTENTIAL DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments

THE AGENCY OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 30 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE HOODS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS FLEW UP AND BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VISION.THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PRIMARY HOOD LATCH AND A SECONDARY (BACKUP) HOOD LATCH.THE SECONDARY LATCH IS DESIGNED TO SECURE THE HOOD IF THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED OR OTHERWISE MALFUNCTIONS.IN THESE COMPLAINTS, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MALFUNCTIONED, APPARENTLY DUE TO CORROSION, AND DID NOT LATCH.DODGE CONDUCTED RECALL 01V-040 IN 1999 TO ADDRESS SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON MODEL YEAR 1994-1997 DODGE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS.THE INFORMATION CHRYSLER PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER INDICATED THAT THE MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES WITH STAINLESS STEEL RETURN SPRINGS, AS OPPOSED TO THE EARLIER RECALLED TRUCKS THAT HAD ZINC COATED CARBON STEEL RETURN SPRINGS.THE RECALLED COMPONENTS WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION-INDUCED FAILURE DUE TO THE TYPE OF MATERIAL USED, WHEREAS THE CORROSION FAILURES IN THE NEWER MODELS APPEAR TO BE DUE TO LUBRICATION LOSS OVER TIME (REGULAR APPLICATION OF GREASE IS ADVISED PER INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNERS' MANUAL). ODI'S REVIEW OF CHRYSLER'S WARRANTY, COMPLAINT, AND INJURY DATA FOR THE 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES INDICATES THAT THE RATES FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE LOW AND ARE DECLINING.A POTENTIAL DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

PE00025 · Rear Safety Belt Anchorage Disengagement

Opened Jul 6, 2000 · Closed Dec 27, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:rear/other

ALLEGE THAT BOTH REAR INBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES WERE FOUND TO LACK PROPER ATTACHMENTS.